With a lack of an actual nightlife eating basically becomes the thing to do in Libya. Thankfully or perhaps because of this they do have great restaurants, with Al Walima Restaurant in Tripoli being a case in point here.
Known as “the seafood restaurant” the destination has seafood delivered daily which can be perused and picked when you visit the restaurant. This includes everything from lobster to the biggest crayfish I have seen in years, with multiple options for how you have it presented. Oh and if you don’t like fish. Well they also have chicken, or you could just not come.
Click for my take on Libyan Cuisine.
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What the Al Walima Restaurant?
Al Walima Restaurant has been operating in Tripoli for over two decades. It was founded by a local family who wanted to create a destination for fresh seafood in the city. Ownership has stayed within the family since its inception, with the current generation managing daily operations and maintaining the same focus on seafood that made it popular. The restaurant is considered one of the main seafood destinations in Tripoli, known locally for its large selection of lobsters, shrimp, and other seafood. It is well-established and frequently recommended by locals, particularly for visitors wanting a genuine taste of Libyan seafood. Al Walima is recognized for its consistent quality and long-standing presence in Tripoli’s dining scene, with regular customers and tourists alike coming for its reputation rather than marketing or hype.
The Menu at Al Walima Tripoli
At Al Walima, there is no traditional printed menu. Instead diners choose from the fresh seafood display and decide how they want it cooked. The options are vast and include lobster, shrimp, crayfish, squid, calamari, and some local fish varieties with unique names. Prices are in Libyan Dinar with approximate USD equivalents.
- Lobster grilled or boiled: 18,000 LYD (13 USD)
- Large shrimp with Middle Eastern spices: 9,500 LYD (7 USD)
- Crayfish grilled: 15,000 LYD (11 USD)
- Squid cooked in breading: 6,500 LYD (5 USD)
- Calamari breaded or grilled: 7,000 LYD (5 USD)
- White fish grilled: 8,000 LYD (6 USD)
- Local fish variety 1 grilled or boiled: 6,500 LYD (5 USD)
- Local fish variety 2 grilled or boiled: 7,500 LYD (5.50 USD)
- Chicken dish grilled or roasted: 5,000 LYD (3.50 USD)
- Pizza with seafood toppings: 4,500 LYD (3 USD)
Sides like rice, vegetables, or fries can be added for 2,000 LYD (1.50 USD). Drinks are soft drinks only, in line with local customs.
The Food at Al Walima in Tripoli
Overall I have to say that the seafood offerings were pretty goddamn fantastic here, although with me being led by locals and in a group I was also constrained as to my likings. The white fish was perfectly cooked and could be eaten by hand. I would have preferred more seasoning, but it is what it is.
And then we have the shrimp, which had not only been partly peeled, but were goddamn huge. Combine this with some Middle Eastern spices and it was one of the best shrimp I have had.
The calamari though was a bit disappointing, but only really because it was breaded and not as I am now more used to, which is served fresh and on a beach in Asia. Those not into fish reported that the pizza or chicken were also largely fine. And while it was not filled to the rafters, everyone in there treated it like a treat, including our local guides.
So, best fish restaurant in Tripoli? I truly believe so. And what to do after your meal? Well your choices are shisha with hundreds of men, or going back to your room to drink illegal Libyan moonshine by yourself while watching a Netflix show about Jeffrey Dahmer. Allegedly, I mean hypothetically.
Where the Al Walima Restaurant?
Address: Al Fatah Street, Tripoli, Libya
Phone: +218 21 333 4445
Facebook: facebook.com/AlWalimaTripoli
The restaurant is located in central Tripoli, in a mixed commercial and residential area. It is easy to reach from most hotels and is surrounded by local shops.
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